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IN THIS ARTICLE: SPF fOR BROWN SKIN
- What is SPF?
- Importance and Benefits of Wearing Sunscreen
- Different Types of Sunscreen
- What SPF level is good for brown skin?
- Other tips for wearing sunscreen as a brown-skinned person
A friendly PSA from the Brown Skin team: the sun does not discriminate.
You might think that because you have melanin in your skin, you’re protected from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, but let us tell you, that’s simply not enough. It’s crucial to protect your skin with SPF, no matter what shade you are.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back (and your skin!). Using the right SPF is key to maintaining healthy, glowing skin, no matter your complexion. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not dealing with painful sunburns or premature aging.
Get the inside scoop on what type and level of SPF works best on brown skin. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about keeping your skin happy and healthy under the sun!
What is SPF?
SPF in sunscreen stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures how much protection a product provides against UVB rays. UVB rays affect your outer skin and can cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. While the sun also emits UVA rays that penetrate even deeper into the skin and can cause sun damage, SPF does not measure protection against UVA rays.
Importance and Benefits of Sunscreen
While we need the sun to help us create vitamin D and support our body, we need to be weary of the impacts of overexposure. Using a good sunscreen can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and keep it looking healthy. The benefits of wearing sunscreen cannot be understated, especially for brown and black skin.
Benefits include:
- Preventing signs of aging such as wrinkles and dark spots
- Protecting against sunburn
- Preventing hyperpigmentation
- Reducing the risk of skin cancer
Different Types of Sunscreen
When it comes to protecting brown and dark skin tones from UV rays, knowing which type of sunscreen to use is important.
Sunscreens can be mineral or chemical, and each offers different benefits.
Mineral sunscreens contain minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that reflect UV rays off the skin, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays. In general, mineral sunscreen is recommended for darker skin tones since it provides a physical barrier without leaving a white residue, whereas chemical sunscreen is usually thinner and less noticeable. A mineral sunscreen works like a mirror, reflecting UV rays away from your skin, whereas a chemical sunscreen works like a sponge, absorbing them before they reach your skin.
Meanwhile, a chemical sunscreen works better against UVA rays with longer wavelengths. Mineral sunscreens protect against a wide range of UV rays.
Mineral sunscreens usually have broad-spectrum protection, which means they block UVA and UVB rays. Make sure you read the label to double-check.
What SPF Level is Best for Brown Skin?
When it comes to sun protection for people with brown skin tones, it is important to know what SPF level is best.
Darker brown skin tones are said to offer a built-in natural protection of SPF 13. However, generally speaking, SPF 30 or higher is recommended for people with brown skin tones, as it blocks out 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.
However, some people may benefit from a higher SPF, such as an SPF of 50 or even 100. While these higher SPFs may offer a bit more protection, they don’t tend to offer proportionally more protection as the numbers may suggest.
According to the American Cancer Society, melanin helps block out damaging UV rays up to a point.. A higher SPF can help protect against the UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburns and other forms of skin damage.
Ultimately, the goal is to wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 daily in order to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Other Tips for Wearing Sunscreen as a Brown-Skinned Person
We’ve already discussed the importance of sunscreen and how to choose the right SPF for your skin, but there are 5 tips that can help you get the most out of your sunscreen.
Keep applying
It is recommended that you reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. Spending time outside or in direct sunlight means you need to reapply more often. Apply it on locations such as your face, neck, arms, and legs.
Check the expiration date
Check the expiration date before applying sunscreen. Replace sunscreen every two years or more often if it has been exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight.
Don’t forget your lips
Sun exposure can also damage your lips, so wear sunscreen lip balm all day long.
Go mineral
Mineral sunscreen (such as zinc oxide) is generally considered safer and more effective than chemical sunscreen. It’s especially important for those with brown skin tones to use mineral sunscreen, as it is less likely to cause irritation or discoloration.
Use SPF clothing
Keeping your skin protected from the sun’s rays is easy with clothing with SPF. Fabrics like nylon and polyester offer the best UV protection.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll be well on your way to healthy, protected skin all year round!
Conclusion
It’s time for us all to become more informed about the importance of wearing sunscreen, especially for those of us with brown skin tones. It doesn’t matter your age or lifestyle, wearing an SPF will protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. You should choose an SPF that’s perfect for your skin tone and how much sun exposure you get, whether you use mineral sunscreen or chemical sunscreen.
Check the SPF labels on the bottles you buy – you want something that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, so look for the words “Broad Spectrum.” Sunscreen should always be part of your daily skincare routine, so don’t forget to reapply it often!